Rebecca Schultze, communications and public relations manager, UNI College of Business Administration, 319-273-3309, rebecca.schultze@uni.edu

CEDAR FALLS -- The 2012 John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition came to a close today with the announcement of the winners at a special recognition luncheon at Drake University in Des Moines.

Iowa Powder Atomization Technologies (IPAT) received first place and $25,000. IPAT is a development-stage company with an atomization process for manufacturing fine titanium and other metal powders, leading to better part quality because of the material's ability to act much like a fluid. This company is located in Nevada, Iowa.

Data2Bio came in second and received $15,000. Data2Bio combines understanding of molecular biology, research methodology and bioinformatic analysis tools (software) to help researchers analyze and interpret sequence data (DNA and RNA). The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Ames, Iowa.

FxRedux Solutions LLC received third place and $10,000. This company uses proprietary technology to automate the virtual alignment of bone fragments leading to better results and reduced costs. The company was formed in 2011 and is located in Iowa City, Iowa.

"Special thanks to John Pappjohn who, through his unwavering commitment to foster entrepreneurship in Iowa, has again sponsored this business plan competition and has provided extensive support for entrepreneurship in Iowa, said Randy Pilkington, director of the University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

Details about next year's John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition will be announced in February. For additional information about the competition, visit www.iowabusinessplancompetition.com.